Matthew O’Hanlon has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling, after 14 seasons of service in the purple and gold.
The 33-year-old St. James’ (Ramsgrange) clubman was the longest-serving member of manager Keith Rossiter’s squad, having been part of the Wexford senior set-up since 2011. He made his debut against Galway in the National League that year before going on to make his first championship appearance against Antrim that summer, laying the foundation for establishing himself as a real rock in the Wexford defence in the years that followed. Overall, he achieved 140 competitive appearances for his county, with 70 of them coming in championship hurling.
Matthew was first made captain of the team in 2014 under Liam Dunne, a position he held by himself until Lee Chin joined him as joint captain in 2017. The undoubted highlight of his inter-county career was winning the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship of 2019, and lifting the Bob O’Keeffe Cup with Chin afterwards. He also holds three Walsh Cup medals (2018, 2020, and 2024) and an inter-provincial title with Leinster (2014), while he received an All-Star nomination on three occasions (2016, 2017, and 2019).
Also a talented footballer, Matthew represented his county in both codes at Minor and Under-21 level, and he was part of the Wexford side that won the 2011 Leinster Under-21 Football Championship by defeating Longford in the final.
He has also enjoyed success in both codes at club level, having won a Wexford Senior Football Championship with St. James’ in 2015, and helping St.James’ hurlers rise from the bottom division of hurling in Wexford to the intermediate grade, winning several Junior and Intermediate ‘A’ Hurling titles along the way. Unfortunately however, he never had the opportunity to line out at senior level in club hurling, as his side suffered disappointment in the Intermediate deciders of 2023 and ’24.
Off the field, Matthew has been centrally involved in improving support for inter county players with the Gaelic Players Association for a number of years, and most recently served a three-year term as the co-chairperson.
Announcing his retirement, Matthew said:
‘It’s with great difficulty, but also with immense pride and gratitude, that I announce my retirement from inter-county hurling. It’s been a privilege to wear the purple and gold and one of the greatest honours of my life to have had the opportunity to lead this group. I’ve loved every minute of it and will cherish the friendships and memories I’ve made forever.
‘I am incredibly grateful to all my teammates, managers, coaches, Wexford supporters, the County Board and all those behind the scenes who supported me and the team to be the best we could be over the years. Your hard work and dedication has been invaluable, thank you.
‘I wish to extend a special word of thanks to my club, St. James’, who encouraged and supported me every step of the way.
‘I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family and friends, especially my parents Anne & Luke, sisters Katie & Chloe, and partner Ciara for your unwavering loyalty and support.
‘Finally, I’d like to wish Keith Rossitter and all of the team the very best of luck for the 2025 season and beyond. Loch Garman Abú!’
Wexford senior hurling manager, Keith Rossiter, paid tribute to Matthew upon his retirement.
‘I would like to thank Matthew for the commitment & dedication that he has given to his county over the past 14 seasons,’ he said.
‘Once he settled into his place, he rapidly became a leader amongst his peers and has played a very influential role over the past number of years. A player of immense skill and talent, he has battled with the best, never losing his ability to be true to his own very fine character. It has been an honour and a privilege to have both played with and managed such a great player.
‘I wish him every happiness and success in the future. I would also like to pay tribute to his family who have supported & encouraged Matthew throughout his hurling career,’ he added.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford GAA, John Kenny, has also paid a warm tribute.
‘On behalf of all supporters, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Matthew O’Hanlon for the contribution he made to Wexford GAA over so many years,’ he said.
‘Matthew continued a long family tradition with the Association. A true leader and warrior, He has been one of Wexford’s most consistent performers at both inter-county and club level for many seasons. On the field he displayed tremendous courage and tenacity and was never found wanting in the heat of battle, while off the field Matthew was an excellent ambassador for Wexford.
‘Finally, on behalf of CLG Loch Garman, I thank him for his dedication and service to Wexford, and I wish him well for the future,’ he said.
